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Comparison of behavior and performance of laying hens housed in battery cages and an
aviary.

Abstract: Experiments were carried out to study the behavior and production
performance of hens housed in battery cages (3 birds X 112 cages) and an aviary (437
birds). Direct visual observations and videotapings of hen behavior were collected
at 24 to 25, 36 to 37, 49 to 50, and 61 to 62 wk of age. Production data were
collected daily. Stereotyped behaviors were much more frequent (P < .01) in the
battery cages (7.0 to 24.7%) than in the aviary (1.0 to 2.7%). Comfort behaviors
were performed by aviary birds (3.9 to 5.5%) much more frequently (P < .01) than by the
caged birds (.7 to .9%). The birds were more active during a few hours before dark
and just after light in both cages and the aviary. In both
groups, the production performance of hens was similar and relatively high. The
results of the current study indicate that aviaries provide a more comfortable environment
for birds and almost the same productivity per bird as battery cages.

(This study was performed with only three hens per cage. As can
be seen in these actual production photos, there are far more hens per cage (perhaps 6-8).
Logic would lead to the conclusion that there would be far more behavioral problems
under actual conditions. Our thanks to United
Poultry Concerns, Inc. for the photos. )